Research students are either self-financed or supported through NUS research scholarships. The graduation requirements include coursework, seminar module and thesis. MBR candidates are required to pass a final thesis examination.
The Department’s full-time researchers are distributed between 4 research clusters:
- Project Management & Digital Construction
- Sustainable Buildings & Materials
- Project Finance & Construction Law
- Building Energy Efficiency & Indoor Environment Quality
Design and Engineering
Built Environment
nelsonc@nus.edu.sg
4 Architecture Drive, #03-04 Singapore 117566History of the Department
The Department of the Built Environment (DBE) was created on 1 July 2021 after a rebranding of the Department of Building (DOB). The DOB was established on 1 June 2000 when the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Real Estate was restructured as the School of Design and Environment. The Department has a proud history of over 50 years, tracing its roots to the Department of Building and Real Estate which was established in 1969.
This departmental rebranding heralds the dawn of a new era which firmly anchors the department at the forefront of Built Environment education and research. This rebranding serves to future-proof our educational offerings to transcend beyond the traditional notions of building, project, and facilities management. This thereby ensures that our graduates remain highly sought-after by the relevant industries.
Our Vision
To be a global knowledge leader in project management, facilities management, contract management and technology management in the sustainable built environment.
Our Mission
To advance knowledge, educate learners, and foster enterprise in project management, facilities management, contract management and technology management in the sustainable built environment.
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Part Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Bachelor’s degree holders who seek to develop core competencies in project management, facilities management, contract management and technology management, with specific emphasis on integrated approaches to planning, building and management in the built environment.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | A good Honours degree or equivalent. The Department may also admit students with a good Bachelor’s degree with relevant research or working experience on a case-by-case basis. | ||
| GRE | Verbal + Quantitative | 320 / 340 | |
| Analytical | 3.5 / 6 | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Paper-based | 580 / 677 | |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | ||
| IELTS | 6 / 9 | ||
- A good TOEFL score or equivalent if the medium of instruction is not in English. For further information on the English Language requirement: please click here.
- The TOEFL score or IELTS result is only valid for 2 years after the test and should be valid at the beginning of the application period for the designated MSc degree
Useful links:
- Responsibilities for Notices, Circulars and Update of Personal Particulars
- Building Research Students Network
- FAQ’s
- Full admissions requirement
- Full application guide
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 2 Intake (January) | International Students | Deadline: July 1 2025 | No fixed application outcome date |
| Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents | Deadline: September 1 2025 | ||
Semester 1 Intake (August) | International Students | Deadline: January 15 2026 | |
| Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents | Deadline: March 1 2026 | ||